After a season that saw some big wins, the boys basketball team ended its year with a 71-59 loss to North Allegheny in the first round of WPIAL playoffs on Tuesday night.

North Allegheny started strong, taking a 23-7 by the end of the first quarter. 

“The turning point was the first quarter because they got a huge early lead on us,” junior James Wesling said. 

From there the Highlanders could not fight all the way back, as they trailed most of the game. 

“We did a good job of not giving up and playing through the final buzzer,” Wesling said. 

Wesling also complimented his teammates. 

“Evan Lavelle and Joe Carr stood out because they both played well and played hard even though we were down,” Wesling said. 

Junior AJ Cherico said he saw the team get better as the season progressed.

“We improved a lot from last year, but there is a long way to go to be better for next year,” Cherico said. 

The boys basketball team has not won a playoff game since 2003. Wesling and Cherico are already looking ahead to the future to try to end that streak next year. 

“Everyone on the team needs to put in work and time to get better so we can break through the wall and make next season better than this season,” Wesling said. 

Cherico agreed.

“All of us are going to play on a summer team and work on team chemistry and our skills,” Cherico said. 

Wesling, who had an exceptional season, gave thanks to the fans who cheered the team on this year. 

“I would also like to say that I cannot thank the community and fans enough for following us and staying on our side through all the ups and downs throughout the season,” he said.